Study sheds light on importance of pregnancy diet

UK scientists have uncovered evidence of the importance of a good diet during pregnancy in order to reduce a child's risk of type-2 diabetes in later life.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge discovered that a poor diet during pregnancy appears to speed up the rate at which key genetic changes accumulate during the ageing process.

The researchers carried out tests on rats and found that, by altering the amount of protein in female rats' food during pregnancy, they were able to influence their offspring's risk of developing type-2 diabetes in old age.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

They concluded that genetic changes as a result of a poor maternal diet lead to reduced expression of a gene called Hnf4a, which is needed for the pancreas to produce insulin effectively.

Senior author Dr Susan Ozanne, from the University of Cambridge's Institute of Metabolic Science, said: 'What is most exciting about these findings is that we are now starting to really understand how nutrition during the first nine months of life spent in the womb shape our long-term health by influencing how the cells in our body age.'

MOST POPULAR

Dr Ozanne is one of the British Heart Foundation's senior researchers and has published the findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Professor Jeremy Pearson, the charity's associate medical director, said the study adds to the evidence that a mother's diet may alter the control of certain genes in her unborn child.

He added: 'It's no reason for expectant mothers to be unduly worried. This research doesn't change our advice that pregnant women should try to eat a healthy, balanced diet.'

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.